Saturn LS overheating problems

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Engine · 178,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2011 · Engine · 141,000 miles · MI

As I drove, up hill, while using the speed control feature, the engine began to rev high rpms. It then jerked and began to overheat. I was able to slowly drive it to a safe location and then have it towed to a repair facility. At the repair facility I was told it was a timing chain issue. I began researching the issue and found a recall had been issued for that issue for the 2001 saturn l200. The federal safety agency campaign id number : 07v519000 gm recall number:06074 I then read that the north carolina consumer council petitioned (the federal safety agency action number : dp08002) to have the recall expanded to include all 1999 to 2003 saturn vehicles that used the same timing chain.

Filed May 24, 2010 · Engine · 128,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. The contact stated that the oil light would illuminate once a month and she changed the oil very often. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership and the oil warning light was reset. However, the failure continued. The ignition would also studder when the contact attempted to start the vehicle. While driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact tried to depress the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not move forward. The vehicle was towed to an auto center where the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced; two timing chains were replaced at that time. The vehicle overheated after the repair. The contact was also informed that her vehicle was included in recall 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). When the contact called the manufacturer, she was told that her vehicle had not been serviced at the 100,000 mile mark. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The current mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Electrical · 00

I have had to replace the heater control switch two times over the past three years. There appears to be a problem with the wiring harness overheating at the white clip (where it plugs into the heater control unit. If left undetected, it melts the plastic of the switch making it impossible to switch from hi to low. Research on this make and model does not indicate a recall, however, I found an indication that saturn is aware of this problem and has made repairs to correct the situation. I am concerned this may eventually lead to a fire hazard, if not that then a costly repair. I have replaced the blower motor, blower motor resistor and heater control unit. Could cost nearly $1000.00 based on estimates through dealership.

Filed Aug 31, 2009 · Seats · 154,182 miles · CA

Driver's side power seat motor overheated and began to melt upholstery. I had to pull the fuse out of the right side fuse panel to cutoff electrical supply and avoid likely fire.

Filed Aug 14, 2009 · Engine · 114,353 miles · MA

2001 saturn l100, car broke down on mass pike, overheated; towed to mechanic, he replaced thermostat, but the water pump was still not operating correctly and in process of further testing found one of the timing chains had broken and needed to be replaced; (this saturn model has two chains-one runs the engine and one the cooling system); when looking up the information to order the parts for the repair he got a tech note on a recall for this specific problem. Only saturn said my VIN number is not covered in the recall. I've seen many other complaints like this on the web. Saturn will not replace the timing chain as a part of the recall. I am having it done on monday at saturn of medford, massachusetts. I was told to be sure to register this complaint with you in hope of having the recall expanded to cover my car and others like it with this problem that was recalled, but that saturn has somehow found a loop hole and is not fixing. I have not had a car since july 28--the longest since I was 16; my email is [email protected]; karen burke; should I ask saturn to save the old parts? I sent email information to john paul and hank phillippe ryan--local sources for help in matters like this. John paul responded and suggested I be sure to register this complaint in hope of expanding the recall. The incident was reported to the state police because it was a closed road--aaa could not respond to my need for a tow. I was referred through the state police for service on the mass pike. Again I have seen other complaints online about this situation. I would like to see the recall expanded. Obviously the problem exists, my car is proof.

Filed Aug 22, 2007 · Engine · 56,500 miles · OH

While driving, once car was warm, I started hearing a loud whistling noise from under the hood. Mechanic ran an emissions test and determined that I needed to replace the intake manifold gasket. I decided to take the car to a saturn dealer, although I had no more warranty. I was informed that once they installed the gasket, the problem was worse and the car was now undriveable as the manifold itself was warped and needed to be replaced (including another gasket as the 1st was damaged by trying to install it on a warped manifold). The car has apx 58,000 miles. Service manager said he had never seen one do this before and only explanation for it happening was extreme heat, yet this engine has never overheated; oil is changed as soon as light comes on. Lucky I did not incur major damage to other parts or the engine (after reading this website I am waiting for the timing belt to go. Why no recall on this??)

Filed Jul 25, 2006 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · MA

Dt: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the contact heard a high pitched squeal coming from the front of the vehicle. The dealership determined the front wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The dealership refused to repair the bearing. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined the bearing overheated causing the squeal. The mechanic informed the contact the bearing should have lasted the life of the vehicle. The bearing was replaced by the independent mechanic.

Filed Sep 27, 2005 · Engine, Lights · 44,343 miles · DE

Exterior lighting and engine coolant leakage inside of car. Car smoking.

Filed Apr 13, 2005 · Lights · 35,000 miles · AZ

The brake and tail lights reapeatedly fail to work correctly. The lights will fail to illuminate. There is a design problem in the tail light assemblies. Saturn is aware of the problem and has issued a service bulletin but has failed to recall the assemblies. I've also noticed the lamp sockets are starting to overheat and melt. I've replaced the sockets.